Chapter 1826 : The Chaos Heaven Halberd's Ascension

The Chaos Heaven Halberd transformed into a Twenty-Four Patterns Innate Ancient Treasure, becoming the foremost weapon of slaughter in Eldrin Chen's arsenal.

In comparison, the Abyssal Pearl could only serve as a trump card, the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth was merely an auxiliary tool, and the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl also lacked offensive capabilities; none could provide Eldrin Chen with optimal combat power in conventional battles.

Conversely, this Chaos Heaven Halberd could be wielded with the power of one's Physical Body [the refined physical form of a cultivator], consumed minimal Mana [the spiritual energy used to power techniques], and thus could greatly enhance Eldrin Chen's standard combat prowess.

It must be understood that even among Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], there exist distinctions of strength and weakness.

A twelve-pattern Innate Ancient Treasure possesses only a single Great Dao Embryo [the nascent form of a Great Dao law within a treasure], while an eighteen-pattern treasure increases its power by twenty to thirty percent, yet this does not constitute a qualitative leap.

However, a Twenty-Four Patterns Innate Ancient Treasure contains two Great Dao Embryo, its might surpassing that of a twelve-pattern Innate Treasure by more than double.

For the vast majority of Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived six Heavenly Tribulations], the Innate Ancient Treasure in their possession is of the twenty-four-pattern Peerless Innate Ancient Treasure grade.

As for the higher grades like Innate Spiritual Treasure or Quasi-Innate Spiritual Treasure, those are realms only Ancient Immortals [immortals who have transcended mortality and weathered Heavenly Tribulations] who have survived seven or more tribulations are qualified to touch; those at the Six Tribulations stage possessing a Quasi-Innate Spiritual Treasure are exceedingly rare.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen felt a slight sense of reassurance settle within his heart.

He pondered no further, simply storing the Chaos Heaven Halberd away before resuming his secluded cultivation. The complete novel can be found at audio-novel .c om.

Currently, Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] was still in seclusion. Eldrin Chen did not plan to emerge immediately, choosing instead to remain within his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for undisturbed meditation and cultivation] to begin comprehending the Great Sun Refining Self Dao [a profound cultivation method focused on tempering the self with solar essence], the Violet Firmament Thunder Tribulation Limit-Breaking Method [a formidable technique for transcending heavenly tribulations using violet firmament thunder], and also the Seven-Colors Immortal Refining Scripture [an ancient scripture detailing a method of refinement through seven colored energies].

After thoroughly studying all three volumes of the Ancient Scripture [a collective term for venerable texts containing profound cultivation knowledge], Eldrin Chen had gained some insight into how Mana [the refined spiritual power cultivated by immortals] could break through the Tenfold Heavenly Pass [a legendary and immensely difficult series of ten heavenly barriers or trials]. He even had some preliminary ideas about creating his own Great Luo Marvelous Art [a supreme-level marvelous art or technique].

However, due to a lack of time and insufficient Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound, accumulated comprehension and spiritual base essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs], Eldrin Chen temporarily refrained from acting on these ideas.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen set aside the three marvelous methods and turned his focus to contemplating the Innate Great Dao Embryo [the primordial seed or nascent form of a supreme Dao principle] contained within the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth [an innate treasure shaped like a vase, embodying the primordial energies of heaven and earth], the Earth-Fortress Sovereign Bell [an innate treasure in the form of a bell, representing unshakable earthly sovereignty], the Mirror of Yin, Yang, and Void [an innate treasure mirror reflecting the principles of Yin, Yang, and emptiness], the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of innate treasure swords representing celestial separation], the Enlightenment Violet Lotus Throne [an innate treasure throne in the form of a violet lotus, aiding enlightenment], and the Chaos Heaven Halberd [an innate treasure halberd embodying the chaos of primordial heavens].

These Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of creation, containing innate laws] each harbored a Great Dao Embryo [the nascent, unformed essence of a supreme Dao principle]. By continuously studying and drawing inspiration from them, Eldrin Chen was preparing for the future cultivation of the Innate Primordial Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the supreme Dao of innate, boundless primordial chaos] and for perfecting his Lifebound Divine Ability [a supreme ability intrinsically linked to a cultivator's life and soul].

After spending twenty thousand years in this manner and having broadly comprehended the Great Dao Embryo within these Innate Ancient Treasure, Eldrin Chen suddenly felt a qualitative leap in his perspective and Deep-Seated Foundation.

Once he fully digested these insights into Great Dao [supreme principles of existence and power] and Divine Ability [powerful supernatural techniques], he might begin gradually cultivating Great Dao Embryo such as the Pure Yang Celestial Flame [a divine ability manifesting the pure, celestial flame of Yang] and the Profound Nether True Water [a divine ability embodying the profound, true water of the Nether], and even deduce that earth-shattering Great Luo Divine Ability [a divine ability of the supreme Great Luo realm].

In the end, however, Eldrin Chen temporarily abandoned the idea of continuing his cultivation.

At present, Eldrin Chen's Dao Fruit [the condensed fruit of one's cultivated Dao, representing ultimate achievement] had not yet reached Great Vehicle [the 'Great Vehicle' or supreme stage of completion]. If his Physical Body [the cultivated, fortified physical form] and Great Dao made further breakthroughs, the Dao Fruit would be completely suppressed, forever unable to break through the constraints imposed by the Physical Body and Great Dao to achieve perfect completion.

"To fully cultivate the Great Vehicle Dao Fruit [the supreme, completed Dao Fruit of the Great Vehicle stage]," he mused, "I must temporarily restrain the Physical Body and Dao Principles [the fundamental principles of one's cultivated Dao], and promote their mutual integration. Only then can I succeed."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his brow eventually furrowing slightly.

His Dao Principles and Physical Body were far too formidable; achieving complete mastery and fusion would be no simple feat.

"By harnessing the power of the Dao Union Flower?"

"No, relying solely on the Dao Union Flower likely won't suffice."

Eldrin Chen uttered calmly, his gaze finally turning towards the Depths of Chaos. "Perhaps only the power of the Sea of Chaos can exert enough pressure upon me, forcing my Physical Body and Laws of the Dao to truly intermingle, thereby catalyzing the complete Great Vehicle transformation of my Dao Fruit."

Having reached this conclusion, Eldrin Chen ceased his arduous cultivation.

He emerged from his Seclusion Chamber to find the Celestial Maiden had been waiting for some time.

After several years of refining the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl, the Celestial Maiden had also successfully cultivated Eight-Limit Magical Power, her cultivation base having advanced tremendously.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, she smiled and offered him the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl. "I sense the purity of your Mana has likely already shattered the Mana Heavenly Barrier. I wonder if this treasure can help you progress even further."

Eldrin Chen accepted the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl. After attempting to refine it for a moment, he shook his head. "Though miraculous, this object is of little use to Mana that has surpassed the eighth limit."

"I have already cultivated the Nine-Limit Magical Power [a supreme cultivation art that pushes one's foundational magical power to its theoretical limit of nine layers]. For me, this object is now useless."

Although they had long anticipated this outcome, both individuals still felt a pang of regret.

Upon careful reflection, this was indeed inevitable. After all, Eldrin Chen had already shattered the Mana Heavenly Barrier [the ultimate barrier limiting a cultivator's foundational magical power], and beyond the Nine-Limit lies the legendary Ten-Limit Dharmic Power [a mythical state of foundational power that transcends all known limits].

Since time immemorial, those capable of breaking the Ten-Limit have been paragons among the top-tier Ancient Immortals [immortals from the primordial eras of cultivation], a feat that even the vast majority of Great Luo Marvelous Art [the supreme arts of the Great Luo realm] cannot achieve.

The Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl [a pearl containing the essence of the seven-colored immortal clam] is merely a twenty-four-patterned Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, marked by its innate patterns]. It is not the priceless Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of innate treasures, containing a complete spiritual essence]. How could it possibly guarantee success?

Thinking of this, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor still spoke: "With a foundation as formidable as yours, if you cultivate the Seven-Colors Immortal Refining Scripture [a secret scripture for refining one's essence, created by the Seven-Colors Immortal Lord] in the future, your chances of breaking the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power are exceedingly high." Original English translation available at audio_novel.com.

"Unlike us. Even with the Seven-Colors Immortal Refining Scripture, our hope of shattering the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power remains vanishingly slim."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this. The Seven-Colors Immortal Refining Scripture was created by the Seven-Colors Immortal Lord and is a secret lineage method of the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a primordial demonic beast of immense spiritual power] race, generally impossible for outsiders to practice.

Even if they cultivated it with great difficulty by borrowing the power of the Innate Yin-Yang Five Elements Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure embodying the primordial forces of yin, yang, and the five elements], they could never surpass the efficacy achieved by the true Seven-Colored Immortal Clam lineage.

In truth, even for the direct descendants of the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam Race who practice this method, the ultimate hope of cultivating the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power is not great.

Among the nine Heavenly Pass of the Great Luo realm, the Mana Heavenly Barrier presents an immense challenge to overcome. The difficulty of breaking through this particular Heavenly Pass far surpasses that of the Physical Body, Great Dao, and Dao Fruit passes. Yet, simultaneously, the Mana Heavenly Barrier is of paramount importance.

The nine Heavenly Pass of the Great Luo realm are intricately interconnected. Shattering the tenfold limit of any single Heavenly Pass will either decrease or increase the difficulty of breaking through the others.

Among them, the three major Heavenly Pass—Physical Body, Great Dao, and Dao Fruit—mutually suppress one another, yet they can also nourish and reinforce both Mana and Primordial Spirit.

While the Mana and Nascent Soul Celestial Passage present extreme difficulty to break through, they, in turn, can nourish the Physical Body, Great Dao, Dao Fruit, and even Divine Ability and the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass.

Take the Mana Heavenly Barrier as an example. If Eldrin Chen could cultivate Ten-Limit Dharmic Power, he could forcibly use his Mana to suppress the Physical Body and Great Dao passes, thereby aiding the Dao Fruit in shattering its Heavenly Pass.

Conversely, breakthroughs in the Physical Body, Great Dao, or Dao Fruit Celestial Passage would also increase the probability of breaking the Mana Heavenly Barrier.

However, if the Physical Body were to shatter the Great Luo Heavenly Pass, it would suppress the other two major Heavenly Pass—Great Dao and Dao Fruit—preventing them from overcoming their Great Luo Heavenly Pass bottlenecks.

Thus, these nine Heavenly Pass exist in a state of mutual generation and restraint. If one's cultivation method is flawed, the difficulty of breakthrough naturally becomes immense.

The vast majority of Ancient Immortal Great Power first shatter the three major Heavenly Pass—Physical Body, Great Dao, and Dao Fruit. Using this foundation, they then break the sevenfold limit of Mana before finally cultivating a Great Luo Marvelous Art to shatter the Mana Heavenly Barrier.

A rare few prodigies of unparalleled genius can prematurely break through the two major Heavenly Pass of Mana and Primordial Spirit. This allows them to use their Primordial Spirit and Mana to nourish and rapidly advance the Physical Body, Great Dao, and Dao Fruit passes, achieving the five-tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm at an astonishing speed.

However, for those who have not yet broken through the Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation], the Great Luo Physique [a supreme physical constitution], the Great Dao Embryo [the embryonic form of one's Great Dao], and the nascent form of the Great Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path], the difficulty of shattering the Mana [the reservoir of spiritual power] and Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [the passage for the Nascent Soul's ascension] is far too immense.

Only beings with foundations as profound as Eldrin Chen possess the potential to prematurely break through the barriers of Mana and the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage.

According to this theory, if the Mana Heavenly Barrier [the barrier limiting one's mana capacity] is shattered to the tenth limit, then utilizing the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power [Dharma power cultivated to its absolute peak] to temper one's Physical Body [the corporeal form], Great Dao [one's fundamental cultivation path], and Dao Fruit [the fruit of one's Dao] can slightly increase the possibility of shattering the tenth limit for the Physical Body, Great Dao, and Dao Fruit as well.

Therefore, those who have shattered the tenth limit of Mana possess a certain probability of cultivating two or more Heavenly Pass to the tenth limit.

Take, for example, the Seven-Colors Immortal Lord of the Immortal Clam Race. He once shattered the tenth limit in three paths: Mana, Great Dao, and Physical Body. It was this achievement that allowed him to cultivate to the late stage of Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] and become an unshakable Sea Steading Pillar [a foundational pillar of stability] for the Immortal Clam Race.

"Legend has it that cultivating all seven foundational Heavenly Pass—excluding Destiny [fate] and the Dao Heart Heavenly Pass [the barrier of the Dao heart]—to the tenth limit is the threshold for breaking through to the realm of Primordial Chaos Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who commands Primordial Chaos],"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a glint of unwavering resolve flashing in his eyes.

The Primordial Chaos Imperial Lord is an existence that transcends the Great Luo Golden Immortal. Such figures are revered within the Human Race as Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords who approach Sagehood], hailed among the Divine Race as Nine Heavens Divine Emperors, and within the Demonic Tribe are qualified to become the Great Emperor of the Demon Race.

These Supreme [peerless] beings represent the pinnacle of existence just below the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [Sages who are Ancestors of the Dao] and the Divine Sovereign Celestial Emperor. Even the Purple Immortal Lord at the peak of his power had not surpassed this realm.

"It seems I must strive to achieve the tenth limit of the Mana Heavenly Barrier as soon as possible," he concluded, his determination solidifying.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "By my reckoning, less than ten thousand years remain before the Chaos Tide recedes. It is time we began our preparations."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting subtly.

They understood that Eldrin Chen's words likely signaled his intent to move against those individuals.

Considering this, Celestial Maiden inquired, "It is indeed fitting. Yet, how shall we ensure they cannot escape?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "We shall lure them into the Chaos Shallows and then conceal ourselves to launch a surprise attack."

"If we can slay or grievously wound one or two of them, the rest of the battle will hold little concern."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, manifesting the Yin-Yang Void Realm [a supreme treasure capable of isolating and manipulating space].

Seeing it, both of them were pleased. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but chuckle, "With this artifact in hand, their chances of escape are virtually nonexistent."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet cautioned, "True as that may be, we must still prepare for any contingency."

"Here is my plan: I shall venture into the Chaos Shallows first to secretly lay down the Innate Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation [a powerful trapping formation based on the primordial forces of the five elements]. At the critical moment, we will activate it and ensnare them all in one fell swoop."

"Very well."

Upon hearing this, both Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden agreed with Eldrin Chen's assessment.

In the time that followed, the three of them continued to remain within the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of concentrated spiritual energy, often used for secluded cultivation] in closed-door cultivation.

Thus, ten thousand years passed in the blink of an eye, and the time came once more for the Chaos Tide [a periodic surge of primordial chaos energy from the depths of the cosmos] to recede.

When the Chaos Tide finally ebbed and the countless Ancient Immortals of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain departed once again, Eldrin Chen also slipped away without a trace.

He had Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden remain within the Grotto-Heaven to serve as a diversion, while myself made his way silently into the depths of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged].

This time, he continued to the left, using Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of creation] to conceal his aura. After flying for five Millennium [a period of one thousand years], he arrived at a location known as a Chaos Shallows [a relatively calmer, shallower region within the turbulent Sea of Chaos].

"This should suffice."

Gazing upon this Chaos Shallows, Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

He proceeded to the heart of the Chaos Shallows, where he used the Innate Five Elements Gourd to lay down an innate Five Elements Grand Formation [a powerful defensive and concealing array based on the principles of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. Once the task was complete, he silently returned to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

After meeting the two, Eldrin Chen exchanged greetings with them, and the three then departed the Grotto-Heaven in utter silence, heading into the depths of the Primordial Chaos.

"Those three fledglings, hiding for just over ten thousand years before setting off—truly impatient!"

At the same moment, several Ancient Immortals trailed after them.

The Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal gazed in the direction the trio had departed, a cold sneer curling his lips. "To think delaying by ten thousand years would let them escape our pursuit—they truly underestimate this old man."

Beside the Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal, the other Ancient Immortals let out eerie chuckles.

One among them, holding an immortal pagoda, spoke with a frosty tone, "Jiang the Ancient Eccentric, remember our agreement. Once this is done, secure that Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill for me."

To the side, a woman added calmly, "And do not forget the Profound Yin Soul-Condensing Pearl [a mystical pearl that gathers and refines soul essence using profound Yin energy] this concubine requires."

"Easy, easy,"

the Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal laughed heartily, declaring with gusto, "As long as this endeavor succeeds, I shall certainly not treat any of you poorly."

With those words, the party of six Ancient Immortals gave chase.

"Oh no!" [an exclamation of alarm or dismay]

At the same moment, the three who had just stepped into the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos] discovered that the six pursuers had followed them in.

They saw the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's complexion change drastically as he attempted to flee back towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain. However, Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal and his companions were well-prepared. The six Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] and Ancient Ancestor [a venerable, ancient progenitor of a clan or lineage] had dispersed themselves in the direction of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, completely blocking their path of retreat.

"There's no going back."

With a look of great alarm, the Celestial Maiden immediately turned and fled deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the profound, unstable heart of the Primordial Chaos].

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor shot through the void, following the Celestial Maiden in a desperate flight towards the Depths of Chaos.

During this frantic escape, Eldrin Chen exchanged a fleeting glance with his two companions, a silent message passing between them in an instant.

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor let out a soft sigh and remarked, "It is fortunate that Fellow Daoist Eldrin [a respectful title for a fellow cultivator] was prepared. Otherwise, we might truly have failed to trap them here."

"You think you can escape?"

At that very moment, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric surged forward, his immortal spear in hand. Despite being a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four Heavenly Tribulations], his speed was astonishing, closing a significant portion of the distance in a heartbeat.

Seeing this, the three individuals' expressions shifted slightly. Each spat out a mouthful of blood, employing the method of burning their True Blood [the vital, life-essence blood of a cultivator] to increase their escape speed, fleeing towards the Depths of Chaos.

"Burning your True Blood to flee?"

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric sneered coldly, his gaze profound as he said, "How long can your vital essence sustain such a burn?"

Although Jiang the Ancient Eccentric was unhurried, the other five Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] were struggling to keep pace.

Seeing this, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric spoke up, "Set your minds at ease. If we can capture them, this old man only desires the Five Elements Gourd. All other treasures shall be yours to divide."

Gritting their teeth, the five began burning their own True Blood to continue the pursuit.

Thus, the chase unfolded. In the blink of an eye, several Millennium [a period of one thousand years] had passed. Both Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden appeared severely depleted in their Primordial Qi [the foundational life-force energy of a cultivator], only then managing to flee into the Chaos Shallows.

Upon entering the Chaos Shallows, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden both let out a sigh of relief, their complexions instantly regaining a healthy flush.

As he flew, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor glanced back and remarked, "Fortunately, we had the aid of the Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial spiritual liquid of immense restorative power]. Otherwise, our Primordial Qi would have suffered grievous harm today."

Hearing this, Celestial Maiden also smiled faintly. The Innate Spiritual Water produced by the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vessel that condenses the essence of heaven and earth] could heal nearly any injury below the Great Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation], naturally possessing the ability to restore vital essence as well.

However, the cost of such recovery was immense. They had expended several dozen vials of Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial spiritual liquid of exceptional purity] in total. Calculating the price at one vial equaling one strand of Innate Qi [the primordial energy of creation], the combined value likely rivaled that of a single Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power].

It was only because Eldrin Chen's Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vase capable of refining and transforming spiritual essences] could convert Innate Spiritual Water that they could afford such extravagance. Any ordinary Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality and achieved immortality] would be loath to use Innate Spiritual Water so liberally.

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric and the others caught up to them within the depths of the Chaos Shallows [a turbulent, primordial region where the energies of creation are still in flux].

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